Funding Opportunities Frequently Asked Questions

Proposal Development

What kinds of grants does UCHRI seek to fund?
UCHRI seeks to foster multi-campus and multi-disciplinary partnerships between UC researchers and their various potential audiences. We especially encourage programs that connect scholars with one another both across the UC system and globally, and whose research and outcomes engage with publics beyond the academy.

UCHRI also offers fellowships to support individual research projects by UC faculty or graduate students.

Who makes the funding decisions?
Proposals are reviewed by our advisory committee, though some programs are evaluated by a subcommittee of the full advisory committee, or a committee of faculty representing various campuses.

Can I talk with someone before submitting an application?
Yes–we encourage you to consult with a member of our Advisory Committee prior to submitting an application, especially if you have questions or would like significant help with your proposal. A list of committee members can be found on our website, and we encourage you to consult with a member from your own campus if at all possible. Additionally, you might consider consulting with someone from your campus humanities center.

How to Apply

How do I apply for a grant?
All applications must be submitted via UCHRI’s online FastApps system.

Do I need to apply through FastApps?
Yes. Applications for the programs administered by UCHRI are accepted exclusively through UCHRI’s FastApps online application system.

How do I log in?
Click on FastApps at http://fastapps.hri.uci.edu to create an account. Click on “Create Account” on FastApps. Once you have created your password, you should receive an activation email from UC Humanities Research Institute, prompting you to verify your FastApps account. Once your account is verified, you will be able to log in on FastApps with your password.

Do I have to complete the application all at once?
No. You will be able to edit your application until the final deadline, although you will need to save your work after you finish each draft. However, we advise that you keep a local backup of your proposal and submit as early as possible, avoiding the deadline rush.

Can I revise my application after I have submitted it?
Yes, our system allows applications to be revised once they are submitted.

When should I submit my application?
Each program has its own deadline. Although you can consult the funding overview [add link] for estimated deadlines, be sure to verify the exact deadlines on each call for proposals. Early submissions are encouraged so that we can assist you with any questions or technical-related issues you may experience.

Are the deadlines final?
Yes. FastApps will close for applications on the referenced deadline.

Can you provide us with a proposed budget form?
Yes. You may view a general budget template here.

Grant Funding

When will I be notified that my application was selected?
Please refer to the call for proposals as this will give you an estimated time for funding decisions.

Will my application be fully funded?
It depends. Submitted proposals and budget are subject to review by the review committee and revisions on proposals and budget may be required prior to final funding decisions. We encourage the submission of proposals that demonstrate a clear connection between programmatic activities and budget requests.

What is the Supplemental Graduate Student Funding?
The UCHRI Supplemental Graduate Student Funding provides financial resources to create or augment support of research-driven, graduate student engagement in UC-wide research projects. For detailed information, please click here.

I was notified that I received a grant. What happens now?
You should expect an award letter from UCHRI shortly after.

I received an award letter. How do I receive the funds?
Please read your grant document carefully and contact your department manager or financial administrator to complete the required administrative paperwork for fund transfer as detailed in the award letter.

Do I need to provide a report upon completion of my project?
Yes. Grant recipients are required to submit a narrative and budget report by the end of the grant date. Some grants require interim reports. Details about these reports and dates will be indicated in the award letter. Please also view the budget template report under General Terms and Conditions below.

My grant requires submission of an interim report. When will I receive the remaining balance?

The remaining balance is transferred upon approval of the interim report, and once the majority of the first half has been expended.

I couldn’t complete my project within the expenditure deadline. What should I do?
Generally extensions are not granted. Unspent funds must be returned to UCHRI. If you anticipate that you may not be able to spend the money in the specified grant period, however, please contact UCHRI as soon as possible.

What are the General Terms and Conditions of UCHRI awards?
For each award, please refer to your award letter and grant document. However, for a general overview, visit the General Terms and Conditions for UCHRI page here.

I received a grant from UCHRI. Am I eligible to receive an additional award in the same academic year?
Due to funding limitations, applicants may only receive one UCHRI grant per academic year, though there may be exceptions for some programs.

I have already applied for a UCHRI grant this academic year. May I apply for another?
You may apply for multiple grants in a single academic year. However, if you accept a grant you may not be eligible for other grants within the same academic year.

Will I be notified if my application is not selected?
Yes, all applicants are notified.

If my application is not selected, will I receive review commentaries?
The high volume of applications administered by UCHRI makes it impossible to share review comments. Also, due to the confidential nature of the application process, UCHRI’s policy is not to provide commentaries on applications that have been denied. Please understand that UCHRI funding is limited and our selection panels must make very difficult decisions from among exceptional applications.

How do I find housing during my residential research stay at UCHRI?
Information about housing through UCHRI can be found here.